Silk Road Teas
Founded in 1992 by David Lee Hoffman, Silk Road Teas is a family-owned tea company based in San Rafael, California, specializing in rare and traditionally crafted Chinese teas. The company was among the early American importers to seek out small farms and individual tea makers in China, introducing varieties seldom available outside their regions of origin.
Today, Silk Road Teas continues this approach under the ownership of the Heagerty family. Each spring, the company travels to China's tea-growing provinces to taste new harvests and purchase small lots directly from farmers, cooperatives, and established producers.
Its collection includes green, white, black, oolong, and pu'er teas, with particular attention to early spring harvests. Many are single-origin and unblended, allowing the characteristics of the cultivar, growing region, and processing method to remain distinct.
Beyond sourcing, Silk Road Teas has made inclusive employment part of its business. Rather than automating certain packaging operations, the company employs adults with disabilities to pack tea sachets and boxes, creating meaningful work within its local community. This commitment earned Silk Road Teas the Employer of the Year Award from Integrated Community Services, recognizing its efforts to provide employment opportunities that support independence and participation in the workforce.
The company's approach connects traditional Chinese tea craftsmanship with a deliberate commitment to the people involved in bringing those teas to market.
